משלי
Mishlei
משלי (Mishlei) is the Hebrew name for the biblical Book of Proverbs.
The term refers specifically to the biblical book of wisdom and moral instructions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word משלי (Mishlei) literally means 'my proverbs'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the biblical title and the general word for proverbs.
How do you pronounce it?
Mishlei
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word משל (mashal) shares a root with the word for 'rule' or 'dominion'. This suggests a linguistic link between the ability to speak wisdom in proverbs and the ability to lead or govern.
- In modern Hebrew, if someone is 'speaking in משלים (mashalim)', they are not just quoting proverbs but are often being intentionally cryptic or indirect to avoid a blunt confrontation.
- In modern Hebrew, the term משלים (Mashalim) is often used to refer to fables or parables, such as those by Aesop, rather than just short proverbs.
Examples in context
- משלים עדיין פופולריים מאד באמריקה.Proverbs are still very popular in America.Tatoeba #5888520 by fekundulo, translation #239806 by CK
- הזמן הוא כסףTime is money.
- הוא קורא בספר משלי.hu kor'e be'sefer mishlei.He is reading in the book of Proverbs.
- האם למדת את ספר משלי?ha'im lamadta et sefer mishlei?Did you study the book of Proverbs?
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their religious studies in a library.
- מאיה Mayaנועם, קראת כבר את ספר משלי?Noam, karata kvar et sefer mishlei?Noam, have you already read the book of Proverbs?
- נועם Noamעדיין לא, הוא נראה לי קשה.adayin lo, hu nir'e li kashe.Not yet, it seems difficult to me.
- מאיה Mayaאני חושבת שמשלי מאוד מעניין.ani hoshevet she'mishlei meod me'anyen.I think Proverbs is very interesting.
- נועם Noamאולי כדאי לי להתחיל לקרוא אותו.ulay kedai li lehatchil likro oto.Maybe I should start reading it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
